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Hello, fellow eco-friendly parents of little ones! We know welcoming a baby into this world can seem like a monumental challenge, especially when it comes to figuring out which products are the safest to buy (or register for) for your little one’s health. When it comes to designing an eco-friendly nursery, you probably already know you want to find furniture that is made of natural ingredients that will not off-gas concerning toxins into your baby’s new room. At the top of your list is likely a non-toxic crib and an organic crib mattress for your baby to sleep safely on.
Materials To Look for in an Organic Crib Mattress
An organic crib mattress should be made of materials that are natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. You’ll want to look for a mattress made out of the following materials:
- Certified organic cotton, which is soft, breathable, and free of pesticides. The “gold standard” in organic cotton certified is the GOTS certified label, so keep an eye out for this on any crib mattress you’re considering:
- Natural latex, which is made from the sap of the rubber tree and is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold.
- Wool, a natural fire retardant and is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
- Coconut coir, made from the fibrous husk of the coconut and is a firm and supportive material that is also breathable.
- Natural bamboo, which is a renewable resource that is naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic.
Materials to Avoid in a Non-Toxic Crib Mattress
There are also several materials that are better to avoid in your baby’s crib mattress, because they have been linked to health concerns. Here are the common ones you’ll want to make sure are not in any crib mattress you’re considering:
- Polyurethane foam: This material is made with petroleum and contains chemicals that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to a baby’s health.
- Flame retardants: These chemicals are often added to crib mattresses to meet flammability standards, but some have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems, as well as cancer.
- PVC: This material contains phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormones and have been linked to developmental problems.
- Synthetic latex: This material is often made with chemicals that can emit VOCs and cause respiratory problems.
- Synthetic fabrics: Synthetic fabrics like polyester can also emit VOCs and are not breathable, which can lead to overheating and discomfort for the baby.
5 Best Organic Crib Mattress Options for Your Baby
When I was first shopping for a crib mattress for my daughter, I was totally overwhelmed with the options. I wasn’t initially aware that there was such a thing as an organic crib mattress.
Although I originally bought an inexpensive conventional mattress for my baby (luckily, it had no flame retardants!), I later started reading up on mattresses and the dangers of synthetic materials that can off-gas into the bedroom air my baby was breathing all night long.
That’s when I made the switch to an organic crib mattress. I couldn’t ignore the little voice in my head telling me that my baby was spending over 12 hours a day on a mattress that might not be healthy for her.
Here are several of the best organic crib mattresses you can find, starting with the Naturepedic mattress I purchased for my daughter’s crib.
1. Naturepedic Organic Crib Natural Mattress ($268)
This mattress from Naturepedic was the best organic crib mattress I could find that didn’t cost over $300. Its organic cotton materials are 100% GOTS certified. In addition to being safe, this mattress is firm, which is important in a crib mattress to ensure infant safety while sleeping.
The organic cotton fabric on Naturepedic’s crib mattress has a natural waterproof coating made from sugarcane, which I found to be easy to clean with soap and water. The mattress measures approximately 27 1/4″ x 51 5/8″ x 6″, making it a snug fit for most standard cribs and nursery furniture.
This mattress is free from PVC, flame retardant chemicals, PFAS, biocides, polyurethane foam, and synthetic fabrics. It is also MADESAFE certified as free from harmful chemicals. It meets all government flammability requirements and has the UL/GREENGUARD GOLD certification, which measures chemical emissions in household products.
Our daughter slept very comfortably on this crib mattress, and I slept well knowing it wasn’t off-gassing into her room as she slept. It was a great buy.
2. Avocado Organic Mattress ($349)
Avocado makes another great organic crib mattress option, since its ingredients are eco-friendly and organic. This mattress is created from GOTS certified organic cotton, hemp, and wool, and its inner pad is made from coconut husks.
Due to its all natural ingredients, this mattress won’t off-gas toxins, and it contains no chemical flame retardants or polyurethane foams that you find in conventional mattresses.
It’s a good idea to also get a mattress pad ($69) for this mattress for extra protection from nighttime leaks.
3. Saatva Organic Crib Mattress ($355)
If you’re in search of a safe and comfortable crib mattress for your little one, you might also want to consider the Saatva organic crib mattress. This mattress is made with eco-friendly and non-toxic materials, including organic cotton, natural latex, and plant-based foam.
It’s also designed with your baby’s comfort in mind, featuring a dual-sided design that allows you to choose between a firmer surface for young babies, or a plusher sleep surface for when they enter their toddler stage.
The Saatva organic mattress is breathable, too, which means your baby will sleep cool and comfortable. It comes with a 15-year warranty.
4. NaturalMatUSA Crib Mattress ($597 and up)
NaturalMAT is another one of best organic crib mattresses you can buy. Its mattresses are handmade from all natural materials in Devon, England. Their different mattresses are free from chemicals, and are manufactured from organic and natural materials. You can choose between mattress models made with an inner core of coir from coconuts, rubber latex, and organic wool.
All of NaturalMAT’s mattresses come with a removable and machine washable quilted cover made from organic cotton. It’s important to know that their mattresses are not recommended for use with cribs that have a wire base, so you should only get one of these for your crib if it has wooden slats or a flat base.
5. Nest Bedding Stork Certified Organic Crib Mattress ($599)
The Stork organic crib mattress is made with a variety of natural and organic materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, as well as natural latex foam. These materials are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, making it a safe choice for your baby’s delicate skin and respiratory system.
The Stork mattress is also designed for maximum comfort and support, with a dual-sided design that allows you to choose between a firm or plush sleep surface. The mattress is breathable, allowing for better air flow and temperature regulation. The Nest Stork organic crib mattress is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Rest Easy with an Organic Crib Mattress
Investing in an organic crib mattress for your eco-friendly nursery is one of the most important purchases you can make for your baby’s health and safety. Conventional crib mattresses tend to contain chemicals and toxins that can cause serious health issues, whereas organic crib ones are made with natural and non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby’s delicate skin and respiratory system.
These organic crib mattresses are also designed for comfort and support, ensuring your baby gets the restful sleep they need to grow and develop. When you’re shopping for a crib mattress, it’s important to choose one that is organic and certified by reputable organizations such as GOTS or GREENGUARD. By doing so, you can rest easy knowing that your baby is sleeping on a safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly mattress.
Read more: For a healthy night’s sleep, don’t forget to opt for a non-toxic and organic pillow for you and your little one.
